Giovanni Trapattoni's side have arranged games in Dublin against Northern Ireland (24 May) and Scotland (29 May) before a crucial UEFA EURO 2012 away qualifier in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on 4 June. They are also hoping to confirm another friendly in June against Italy, Trapattoni's native country.

Trapattoni has announced a 33-strong squad for the games but five players have been included provisionally as they are currently battling with injury: defenders Sean St Ledger and Darren O'Dea, midfielders Keith Andrews and Damien Duff, and striker Kevin Doyle.

The only new face in the squad is the previously uncapped Wolves man Ward who has been a regular in the English Premier League this season. Striker Caleb Folan is also back in the fold with Ireland after his move to the United States. Folan joined MLS outfit Colorado Rapids from Hull City AFC earlier this year but has not played for his country since 2009.

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